The NCAA on Wednesday reduced the penalty period against former Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien from five years to two, limiting his ability to seek athletic employment at another school during that time.

The reduction follows the NCAA's decision last month to throw out violations that included accusations O'Brien improperly gave $6,000 to a recruit. The group dismissed three violations and part of a fourth because NCAA enforcement staff missed by two days a 2005 deadline for filing the charges.

The appeals committee upheld other violations involving O'Brien, including improper benefits awarded to Boban Savovic, a member of the Buckeyes' Final Four team in 1999.